An award-winning Glasgow-based charity that supports pregnant women in difficult circumstances has secured funding to grow its dedicated team of volunteers, following a year-on-year surge in demand for its vital interpretation and companionship services.

Founded in 2019, Amma Birth Companions works to improve the health, wellbeing, and birth experiences of mothers facing significant hardship, many of whom are refugees or seeking asylum. As many as one-third of the women the charity supports are survivors of trafficking.

The charity recently received a £10,000 grant from the HFD Charitable Foundation to train a new group of volunteers to be birth companions, offering non-medical support to women during late pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period – helping those who might otherwise face giving birth alone.

Language barriers, cultural differences, and social isolation can hinder access to essential services for the women the charity supports, meaning they may not always receive the support they need.

Volunteers undergo a comprehensive 50 to 70-hour training programme over six weeks, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care. They come from a range of backgrounds, including retired midwives, medical students, and even former clients who want to give back.

Since its launch, demand for the companionship service has doubled annually, positively impacting the lives of more than 500 women.

One client shared, “My companion came to visit me at home before and after the birth of my child. She gave such emotional support, she was like a sister, more support than I even imagined I could get. She always answered my questions, always went past what I expected. I couldn’t ask for more.”

In addition to its volunteer programme, the charity also offers antenatal classes and runs a peer support group called ‘Amma Family’. These services are a lifeline for many clients, particularly those new to Glasgow, having arrived from all over the world, including countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

Abigail Stein, head of partnerships and fundraising at Amma Birth Companions, said: “Giving birth and caring for a newborn is daunting for any mother, but especially for those who may be facing it alone or are unable to communicate with healthcare staff. The support from HFD has been crucial in ensuring our companion volunteers are well-prepared to provide effective and compassionate care.

Many of our clients come from diverse backgrounds and speak various languages, which makes understanding their experiences more complex. Through training, we empower our volunteers to build trust and set healthy boundaries while offering both emotional and practical support to those in need.”

Lauren McKenzie, ambassador for the HFD Charitable Foundation, added: “The work of Amma Birth Companions is invaluable to its clients. The volunteer programme not only helps women through the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth but also provides a lifeline for those facing isolation and uncertainty.

At the HFD Charitable Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives like this, which are making a tangible and lasting difference in local communities, helping women and families who might otherwise be overlooked.”